Just when I thought the XBOX brand was coming back with a more focused attitude, and getting players involved in the ecosystem again, they always manage to have negative impacts weekly. I understand Asha said that things are going to be rough, and tons of changes/sacrifices are going to be made, but this is still incredibly brutal. I wish XBOX the best, but I don’t think they know what they are doing or even should be doing. They are throwing crap to the wall and hoping it sticks.
I understand the sentiment people are sharing about a lack of transparency with console exclusives, particularly the games that have been chosen. Some of these games have been known to Sony for a while, and I’m sure contracts have been signed for cross platforming. It sucks that Halo and Forza aren’t exclusive, but Asha can’t undo Phil’s decisions in that short of a time; the deal has already been done. However, I think this decision might get people back into the brand IF Gears and Clockwork turn out to be the excellent games (I believe they will). In my opinion, this is a start to making XBOX relevant again in the console space. Asha has done a great job so far, and I’m sure there will be more plans in the future to shape the brand back to what the 360 generation brought.
@Tasuki I understand your perspective, but given the few months Asha has been in charge, I think she has done an excellent job at getting people interested in XBOX again. Will it work down the road/long term; I don’t know. But at least she has done more positive things for the brand than Phil in the last few years. Gotta give props sometime, regardless of what console you prefer.
@Nicekix And the fact that you think I’m somehow a fanboy of Xbox because I’m a little critical of Sony is mind blowing. You make an assumption based on a single paragraph, and then refuse to listen to what I say. People can be critical of something and still like it at the same time.
@Nicekix So I can’t criticize Sony even though it’s my main platform of choice? And yes, I did buy Astro Bot. I thought it was an excellent game. You’re being a fanboy despite me preferring Sony over Microsoft. Regardless of what you say, they have had the same type of games. Spider-Man 1&2 (I got the plat for those and enjoyed it), both God of War games (I have the platinum for both), both Horizon games (have the platinum for both), Returnal and Saros, Ghost of Tsushima and Yotei (I have the platinum for both), Rise of the Ronin (I have the platinum for that too), and so forth. Would I like some variety other than third person action adventure games? Absolutely. Although unlikely, but a FPS would be nice again - Killzone and/or Resistance. How about the exclusive Detroit Become Human? Hell, I even enjoyed Concrete Geenie. Even more so, The Last of Us from 2013 is my favorite game of all time, and nothing has come close to dethroning it for me personally. Learn to accept criticism.
@Nicekix What exactly is your issue because it doesn’t make sense. Are you bothered by the idea that I’m burned out by the Sony formula, but I still play the games because they are good? Do you think I’m a hater of Sony? If so, I can show you my trophies and platinums, and how frequently I play.
Do you think I’m some weird Xbox fanboy? If so, check my comment history. I like video games; I don’t care what console it’s on. I play on my Switch 2 regularly. I’m really not sure what your problem is?
@Nicekix First of all, I said that Sony first party games are becoming more of the same, not that they aren’t good games. They will more than likely be good and I’ll play them because I like good games. All I’m saying is that they don’t have that awe factor that they once did in the PS3 era, or early PS4.
As for Xbox, I do purchase their games. I preordered them the special edition of Starfield, bought Forza 5 & 6, Halo Infinite, DOOM The Datk Ages, and Hellblade 2, even if they are on Game Pass. I spend quite a bit of money on the Xbox.
I finally got 100% in LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. It was excellent and immersive. The Riddler and Cluemaster puzzles were a grind. I’m glad the game is over. That said, it has gotten me back into the world of comics, and now I’m reading several Batman stories.
I also finished Mina the Hollower. After some reflection, I consider it better than Shovel Knight which is no easy task. It’s easily one of the most charming Zelda-likes I’ve ever played. The amount of secrets to uncover, from hidden bosses, new locations, additional weapons, trinkets and more, each frame features something unique if you pay attention.
The comparison to Bloodborne is hard to understand. If it’s referring to difficulty, then maybe there is an argument for that. However, if we are going to compare it to a FromSoft game then I think Elden Ring is the appropriate choice. There are several subtle nods and (secrets?) moments in Mina that are reminiscent of various secrets in ER.
And now, according to the developers, many people are missing out on approximately 50% of the game. I have an item that tracks your collectibles per location, but I’m really intrigued if there is even more to unearth if you experiment.
I now have 007 First Light on the docket, but I’m not entirely in the mood to play it at the moment. In the same vein, however, I downloaded Hitman: Blood Money on the Nintendo Switch 2. It’s one of the rare games in the franchise that I haven’t played. I’m not very far, but what I’ve played has been fun, albeit archaic in its mechanics. Nonetheless, that’s sort of to be expected. And with the announcement of the original trilogy being remastered, I’m even more enthralled to be immersed in this world of Agent 47.
As much as I love PlayStation, this showcase once again showed me why I’m losing steam on their exclusives. The third party adventures that have the same type of gameplay gets exhausting. Don’t get me wrong, Wolverine and God of War look great—I’ll be buying them, no doubt—but I feel like I’ve seen these worlds 100x over. It all feels the same.
I finished the main campaign in LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. It was fantastic from start to finish. I’m now slowly grinding and chipping away at the remaining collectibles to get 100%. I play for maybe 30-minutes a day to mop them up.
But what I want to really talk about most is Mina the Hollower, my most anticipated game in the last three years. I ignored reading reviews (though I did see the scores), only watched the first reveal trailer, and went in completely blind. Boy, my expectations were met and more.
I’m a few hours in, a couple of dungeons and bosses down, and I feel as if I’m only scratching the surface as to what this game actually **is**. It’s the perfect blend of 2D Zelda titles, and Soulslike difficulty. The checkpoints can be unforgiving, and if you die you lose your “bones” unless you collect them back after your death. This may turn people away — understandably, might I add — and it caught me off guard.
If you are willing, there are a ton of modifiers to help make the game easier. Some of these options don’t feel like cheating, or making your playthrough feel less than. For example, you can turn on the ability to heal faster.
The moment to moment gameplay feels fantastic, as does the handful of weapons. I’ve tinkered around with a few and settled on the hammer, but I do enjoy the Castlevania-esque whip. The RPG-lite elements are a nice touch, too. Leveling up your weapons, gear, and other trinkets creates a layer of depth that has tons of options for unique builds.
Meanwhile, exploration is consistently rewarding. Being a mouse and using its abilities such as burrowing is such a fun element to incorporate not only in its combat, but exploration. I’ve discovered numerous of secrets so far, some of obvious, while others are challenging. Mina has that rare feat where when you uncover a secret you feel as if you’re the first person to do so.
As mentioned, I’m only a few hours in so I can’t really go in depth with an analysis of the game. With what I have experienced so far, I can say it’s shaping up to be my GOTY. Whether or not that will change the further I progress is to be determined. But right now, I can confidently say Yacht Club has burrowed it out of the park again.
This has been my most anticipated game for years. I’m stoked to see the game not only live up to the hype but also exceed it. I’ll probably play Mina on the Switch 2 since I find these types of games tailored made for handheld. Man, there are so many great games out right now.
@Lanmanna To me, I find digital is cheaper in some aspects. I’ve never payed tax for a digital game. If I did physical, I would have to pay at least 6 to 8 dollars more, at least where I live.
@Balaam_ You’re not understanding the issue with physical vs digital media. You are in a very small minority (you just have a loud voice). Going digital isn’t on the publisher or developer, it’s on the people. The majority of people prefer digital, whether it’s for convenience or otherwise. If there was still a strong market for physical media then it would still be more relevant. Unfortunately, that’s just how the state of the world is: television, film, music, all of that, people want to be able to access it immediately and from anywhere. Physical media is unfortunately not very viable for the state of the economy. If you are going to blame someone, blame the people, not the company because the companies will lose money by creating a physical product that hardly anyone would buy (to make a substantial difference).
@Fiendish-Beaver There are difficulty options, and playing on Hard mode makes the combat way more enjoyable and challenging. There are also some Riddler puzzles that are genuinely difficult, if that’s sort of your thing too.
I’m playing LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. I was hesitant on buying this game. My usual experience goes as follows: one half of my brain tells me to buy [these games] because it sounds fun whilst the other half says I won’t play for that long and move on to something else. Of course, I buy them and lose interest within thirty minutes.
Here I am again, being irrational with my purchase. Miraculously, my experience has been drastically different from prior experiences. I quite literally can’t stop playing. I’ve put in 15 hours already.
The first thing that stood out to me and has yet to falter is how charming the game is, not only from its game world, but the characters and their animations. I have genuinely laughed multiple times throughout my experience. It has brought out my inner kid, and makes me realize games are meant to be fun and entertaining, not always about trophies and achievements.
Gotham City itself is a story all on its own. It’s a gorgeous world to explore, and trust me, it’s massive. There are a myriad of random activities to partake in—stopping crime, of course, solving Riddler puzzles (some are actually challenging), tracking down zoo animals that have been running amok, racing trials, and a lot more.
You can also go to your Batcave at any point in time. Here you can upgrade your hideout and expand its capabilities. You’ll be able to buy nearly every iteration of the Batmobile, but also vehicles used by other characters in the bat-verse. You can upgrade your arsenal, cash in on completed challenges, open up a shop where you can buy various items for your hideout. You can also buy or unlock over 100 costumes for your character(s), paying homage to its illustrious history.
Speaking of paying its respect to its long standing history, this game is essentially a collection of the Nolan universe, and follows that trilogy. However, it takes its own liberties and remixes things to add much more fun nuances. I was initially surprised, but it’s been a welcome addition.
Of course, you can’t mention Batman without synonymously mentioning combat and detective work. I’m thrilled to report that both are a main focus, and are very fun. It’s essentially the Arkham games in a LEGO skin. The combat is free flowing and works well in each environment you’re fighting in. You will also use various tools at your disposal to unlock new areas, track down suspects, and get the advantage on your enemies. The only downside is that combat can be trivially easy. It basically becomes a button mash romp, and it can get repetitive quickly. Nonetheless, the game still manages to be fun amidst its own monotony which is a huge compliment.
Ultimately, if you are a fan of the Arkham trilogy then you should feel right at home with this entry. It is essentially a new entry in that universe, but in a LEGO skin. Yes, it’s still a “kid’s” game, but it’s much more than that. Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is not only a great Batman game, but a great game in general that should be played by a wide audience. This Batman symbol shines bright.
@KoldFire I think they will handle combat fine. In the Kingdom Come games they were focusing on realism and immersion which is why it felt janky. In the second game, it still felt that way, but it eventually flowed really well once you got the hang of it. I think Warhorse will be able to understand that LOTR is a fantasy, with tons of enemies to dispose of. That alone should be an incentive to change how they handle combat. I am curious as to whether or not it will be first or third person, though I assume the latter. Either way, I’m really looking forward to this project. I believe they can make something truly special.
Luna Abyss and Echo Generation 2 look phenomenal. And, of course, Forza is a banger. Next week, whilst not on Game Pass, 007 First Light and Mina The Hollower release. Xbox is eating pretty good right now.
@Jenkinss I want to play Infinite Wealth really badly but I don’t feel like playing the first one. I’m familiar with all of the other Yakuza games because I’ve played and beaten them, but Like A Dragon is still on the back burner. I’m strongly considering watching a YouTube story recap. I know the first game is really good and I’ll be missing out, but IW just seems like the perfect “summer” game.
I’ve tried multiple Lego games in the past but they never hold my attention. This sounds like it might actually be the one to break that trend. It’s even better that it involves one of my favorite (superhero) movie trilogies of all time.
I’m wrapping up my first playthrough of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. It’s still an excellent sequel. I’m excited to see what the third installment entails. However, I am kind of pissed, because the game is buggy as hell. If you’re hunting down achievements/trophies, it can be a real nuisance.
Other than that, I’ve been contemplating buying an Xbox ROG Ally X, the $550.00 version. I have been doing my research, and the Xbox Play Anywhere is very compelling. The list of games that I own or am interested in is part of this feature. I really like the idea of taking my achievements on the go. But man, that price is really damaging; ha-ha. I hear it’s an incredible device and worth the money.
I’ve been very tempted to buy an ROG Ally despite the $550.00 price tag. I’ve been doing a lot of research on the games supported with Xbox play anywhere, and all of the games I own, want to play, or what have you is part of the program. I’ll probably bite the bullet in the next couple of weeks—taking my achievements on the go is right to my ally (no pun intended).
I have it preordered and ready to go. I typically enjoy every Bond game, from the N64 days, to the GameCube, and even slater titles — they are just pure fun.
It was great, but the weakest of the trilogy. With that said, it was still exceptional. Their “worst” game is better than most first person shooters. I did get the platinum for it on the PS5. I’ve been thinking of replaying it on my Series X, get all achievements, and cross my fingers for the DLC to release soon.
@Lup Agreed with everything you said about Middle Earth. It’s such a bummer that the Nemesis has been pattoned because it’s a fantastic mechanic that I wish more games could implement.
I’m playing Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (Xbox Series X). It’s been a fantastic experience, and one of the rare Star Wars stories that is genuinely great. I’m working on getting all achievements—by this time 007 First Light and Mina The Hollower should be released.
Capcom is picking up the slack from many developers right now. As it stands, Pragmata is my current GOTY. I’m just waiting a bit to do a lunatic run and mop up all achievements.
I own all the three main consoles — PS5, Xbox Series X, and Switch 2, all for different reasons. PS5 is mainly for exclusives, although I’m burned out on the Sony formula. I have the X because I prefer the controller and I play my third party games there. If the X had some proper exclusives it would probably be my main device, but I’m okay with their offerings as of right now. And even though Gears and Halo are coming to PlayStation, I prefer the controller on Xbox. As for the Switch 2, it’s my travel companion. I do play it elsewhere and at home because I prefer handheld experiences, particularly RPGs, but some third party games are great there as well (RE9 and Pragmata for example). Every console has their own strengths—strengths that suit my interests perfectly.
All I’m playing is Saros. I just reached the third biome, and I’m having a literal blast. Housemarque has cooked once again. I’ve also been in the mood to finally play Jedi: Survivor so I might do that on my Series X since it’s the Game of the Month to try out over at TrueAchievements.
This looks awesome and very unique. The developers also seem really confident to show off their product, so I think they know they have a winner on their hands.
In addition to beating Pragmata, I booted up Stalker 2 and loaded up an old save (I beat the game when it first released, and played 120-hours). I wanted to try out the new quest-lines that were added. This was more troublesome than I anticipated; it’s not a game you can hop back in a year later and feel comfortable. I was using med-kits when I wanted to turn on my flashlight. I wanted to fast travel, but I couldn’t until I got to a base of operations, yet that was harder than expected. I would try to run to my marker and die by anomalies and radiation. I eventually got my bearings after googling the controls, completed the new quests, and unlocked a few achievements. I can’t wait for its expansion.
Meanwhile, Hades 2 released on Game Pass. I’ve put in over 80-hours on the Switch version, but since Supergiant updated the game with new content I couldn’t resist starting a fresh playthrough. I’ve already experienced new events. Once again, I’m unabashedly addicted.
Here I am, five days left of my vacation. I was unsure what to start next. Despite my reservations due to the size of the game, I finally gave Crimson Desert a chance. All of my X/Twitter feeds have been praising the game, and the patches from the developer have been nothing but outstanding. It’s my type of game, but I still didn’t know what to expect.
Let me get the obvious out of the way: it’s overwhelming and mechanically complicated. There are so many systems at work, and they can overlap each other with the controls. With that said, I am already immersed in this beautiful and mysterious world. It’s similar to Red Dead Redemption 2 with its freedom and interactivity, and Dragon’s Dogma 2, one of my favorite games of all time, with focusing heavily on player agency and developing your own tale. I can predict that once I get used to the controls this could potentially be an all-timer for me.
So far, my vacation has been fantastic. I did what I set out to do—clean up my garage, and get a lot of yard work done. And play games, lots and lots of games.
I beat Pragmata (Xbox Series X). What a sublime experience. It may outshine Resident Evil Requiem for me which I did not expect. Capcom does something that no other current developer does: make me want to replay a game immediately after I beat it.
So, what’s the hook for this new IP? The combat. It’s really innovative. It’s a third person shooter with hacking mechanics all in one package. I was skeptical about how this would work in a proper firefight, but you’re never overwhelmed with enemies. There is a perfect balance that could have easily dismantled its entire focus, but thankfully it doesn’t. The combat also evolves with time, adding depth to the gameplay. You’ll consistently unlock new weapons, hacking nodes that caters to your style of play, and other surprises along the way.
There are finishing executions when an enemy gets weak, but there is only one variation. It’s kind of disappointing because it looks so stylish. If there were more animations with different weapons then it wouldn’t be an issue. It just gets repetitive after a while.
Exploration is also satisfying. There are five biomes to explore, each of which is approximately three hours each, maybe a little longer depending on if you go off the beaten path. If you do you’ll find benefits — new weapons, modifications, abilities, items for your shelter that liven the place up, and a lot of well written lore.
Some places are inaccessible at first, but similarly to Metroidvanias, you’ll acquire new abilities that allow you to explore areas later down the line. Thankfully, there are many checkpoint areas, so you’re able to do a quick clean up on the things you’ve missed. It took me roughly 14 hours to beat the game and find all collectibles without a guide.
The story is endearing. From all of the trailers I thought your companion, Diana, would be cumbersome and annoying. For some people, they may find this to be accurate. If you can tolerate her you will find a relatively emotional connection with her growth as a character.
Some story elements don’t always land. Pragmata pays homage to Dead Space, particularly in its opening hours — you’ll see posters on walls to emphasize this even more— and by this I mean you will succumb to horrifying loss. As such, the main protagonist, Hugh, whilst he comments on incidents that happen throughout the game, it’s his delivery, or lack there of, that isn’t handled well. You don’t feel his pain and suffering so it’s hard to relate; instead the focus is more on the “father/daughter” dynamic which is really solid.
Comments 794
Re: 'It's Going To Be Pretty Brutal' - Jason Schreier Reveals More On Upcoming Xbox Layoffs
Just when I thought the XBOX brand was coming back with a more focused attitude, and getting players involved in the ecosystem again, they always manage to have negative impacts weekly. I understand Asha said that things are going to be rough, and tons of changes/sacrifices are going to be made, but this is still incredibly brutal. I wish XBOX the best, but I don’t think they know what they are doing or even should be doing. They are throwing crap to the wall and hoping it sticks.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (June 13-14)
I’m working on finishing up the platinum for 007 First Light.
Re: Xbox Confirms Its Two New Console Exclusives Are Not 'Timed'
I understand the sentiment people are sharing about a lack of transparency with console exclusives, particularly the games that have been chosen. Some of these games have been known to Sony for a while, and I’m sure contracts have been signed for cross platforming. It sucks that Halo and Forza aren’t exclusive, but Asha can’t undo Phil’s decisions in that short of a time; the deal has already been done. However, I think this decision might get people back into the brand IF Gears and Clockwork turn out to be the excellent games (I believe they will). In my opinion, this is a start to making XBOX relevant again in the console space. Asha has done a great job so far, and I’m sure there will be more plans in the future to shape the brand back to what the 360 generation brought.
Re: Gears Of War: E-Day Releases October 2026, And It's An Xbox Console Exclusive
@Tasuki I understand your perspective, but given the few months Asha has been in charge, I think she has done an excellent job at getting people interested in XBOX again. Will it work down the road/long term; I don’t know. But at least she has done more positive things for the brand than Phil in the last few years. Gotta give props sometime, regardless of what console you prefer.
Re: Roundup: All The Biggest Xbox Reveals From June's State Of Play
@Nicekix And the fact that you think I’m somehow a fanboy of Xbox because I’m a little critical of Sony is mind blowing. You make an assumption based on a single paragraph, and then refuse to listen to what I say. People can be critical of something and still like it at the same time.
Re: Roundup: All The Biggest Xbox Reveals From June's State Of Play
@Nicekix So I can’t criticize Sony even though it’s my main platform of choice? And yes, I did buy Astro Bot. I thought it was an excellent game. You’re being a fanboy despite me preferring Sony over Microsoft. Regardless of what you say, they have had the same type of games. Spider-Man 1&2 (I got the plat for those and enjoyed it), both God of War games (I have the platinum for both), both Horizon games (have the platinum for both), Returnal and Saros, Ghost of Tsushima and Yotei (I have the platinum for both), Rise of the Ronin (I have the platinum for that too), and so forth. Would I like some variety other than third person action adventure games? Absolutely. Although unlikely, but a FPS would be nice again - Killzone and/or Resistance. How about the exclusive Detroit Become Human? Hell, I even enjoyed Concrete Geenie. Even more so, The Last of Us from 2013 is my favorite game of all time, and nothing has come close to dethroning it for me personally. Learn to accept criticism.
Re: Roundup: All The Biggest Xbox Reveals From June's State Of Play
@Nicekix What exactly is your issue because it doesn’t make sense. Are you bothered by the idea that I’m burned out by the Sony formula, but I still play the games because they are good? Do you think I’m a hater of Sony? If so, I can show you my trophies and platinums, and how frequently I play.
Do you think I’m some weird Xbox fanboy? If so, check my comment history. I like video games; I don’t care what console it’s on. I play on my Switch 2 regularly. I’m really not sure what your problem is?
Re: Roundup: All The Biggest Xbox Reveals From June's State Of Play
@Nicekix First of all, I said that Sony first party games are becoming more of the same, not that they aren’t good games. They will more than likely be good and I’ll play them because I like good games. All I’m saying is that they don’t have that awe factor that they once did in the PS3 era, or early PS4.
As for Xbox, I do purchase their games. I preordered them the special edition of Starfield, bought Forza 5 & 6, Halo Infinite, DOOM The Datk Ages, and Hellblade 2, even if they are on Game Pass. I spend quite a bit of money on the Xbox.
Anything else snarky you want to say?
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (June 6-7)
I finally got 100% in LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. It was excellent and immersive. The Riddler and Cluemaster puzzles were a grind. I’m glad the game is over. That said, it has gotten me back into the world of comics, and now I’m reading several Batman stories.
I also finished Mina the Hollower. After some reflection, I consider it better than Shovel Knight which is no easy task. It’s easily one of the most charming Zelda-likes I’ve ever played. The amount of secrets to uncover, from hidden bosses, new locations, additional weapons, trinkets and more, each frame features something unique if you pay attention.
The comparison to Bloodborne is hard to understand. If it’s referring to difficulty, then maybe there is an argument for that. However, if we are going to compare it to a FromSoft game then I think Elden Ring is the appropriate choice. There are several subtle nods and (secrets?) moments in Mina that are reminiscent of various secrets in ER.
And now, according to the developers, many people are missing out on approximately 50% of the game. I have an item that tracks your collectibles per location, but I’m really intrigued if there is even more to unearth if you experiment.
I now have 007 First Light on the docket, but I’m not entirely in the mood to play it at the moment. In the same vein, however, I downloaded Hitman: Blood Money on the Nintendo Switch 2. It’s one of the rare games in the franchise that I haven’t played. I’m not very far, but what I’ve played has been fun, albeit archaic in its mechanics. Nonetheless, that’s sort of to be expected. And with the announcement of the original trilogy being remastered, I’m even more enthralled to be immersed in this world of Agent 47.
Re: Three Classic Hitman Games Are Getting Remastered For Xbox In 2027
This is really cool news. I’ve ironically just started Blood Money earlier today.
Re: Final Fantasy VII Revelation Announced By Square Enix, Xbox Release On Day One
And I will be buying this day one. It looks incredible.
Re: Roundup: All The Biggest Xbox Reveals From June's State Of Play
As much as I love PlayStation, this showcase once again showed me why I’m losing steam on their exclusives. The third party adventures that have the same type of gameplay gets exhausting. Don’t get me wrong, Wolverine and God of War look great—I’ll be buying them, no doubt—but I feel like I’ve seen these worlds 100x over. It all feels the same.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (May 30-31)
I finished the main campaign in LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. It was fantastic from start to finish. I’m now slowly grinding and chipping away at the remaining collectibles to get 100%. I play for maybe 30-minutes a day to mop them up.
But what I want to really talk about most is Mina the Hollower, my most anticipated game in the last three years. I ignored reading reviews (though I did see the scores), only watched the first reveal trailer, and went in completely blind. Boy, my expectations were met and more.
I’m a few hours in, a couple of dungeons and bosses down, and I feel as if I’m only scratching the surface as to what this game actually **is**. It’s the perfect blend of 2D Zelda titles, and Soulslike difficulty. The checkpoints can be unforgiving, and if you die you lose your “bones” unless you collect them back after your death. This may turn people away — understandably, might I add — and it caught me off guard.
If you are willing, there are a ton of modifiers to help make the game easier. Some of these options don’t feel like cheating, or making your playthrough feel less than. For example, you can turn on the ability to heal faster.
The moment to moment gameplay feels fantastic, as does the handful of weapons. I’ve tinkered around with a few and settled on the hammer, but I do enjoy the Castlevania-esque whip. The RPG-lite elements are a nice touch, too. Leveling up your weapons, gear, and other trinkets creates a layer of depth that has tons of options for unique builds.
Meanwhile, exploration is consistently rewarding. Being a mouse and using its abilities such as burrowing is such a fun element to incorporate not only in its combat, but exploration. I’ve discovered numerous of secrets so far, some of obvious, while others are challenging. Mina has that rare feat where when you uncover a secret you feel as if you’re the first person to do so.
As mentioned, I’m only a few hours in so I can’t really go in depth with an analysis of the game. With what I have experienced so far, I can say it’s shaping up to be my GOTY. Whether or not that will change the further I progress is to be determined. But right now, I can confidently say Yacht Club has burrowed it out of the park again.
Re: Lots Of Highly-Anticipated Xbox Titles Added To 'Coming Soon' On Game Pass App
Fable, Clockwork Revolution, and Plague’s Tale are on my radar big time. It seems like these games will be releasing relatively soon, too.
Re: Mina The Hollower Hits Xbox This Week, And It's Metacritic's 'Best Game' Of 2026 So Far
This has been my most anticipated game for years. I’m stoked to see the game not only live up to the hype but also exceed it. I’ll probably play Mina on the Switch 2 since I find these types of games tailored made for handheld. Man, there are so many great games out right now.
Re: The Witcher 3 Is Getting A Brand-New Expansion On Xbox, 12 Years After Release
This is mind blowing. I suppose it’s time to replay The Witcher 3, and its two subsequent DLCs which are brilliant
Re: Five Things I'm Loving About 007 First Light On Xbox Series X So Far
It sounds great, and the Open Critic score is fantastic right now. I’m looking forward to playing this later this evening when I get off work.
Re: These Are The Top 25 'XBOX Player Voice' Requests After One Week
@Lanmanna To me, I find digital is cheaper in some aspects. I’ve never payed tax for a digital game. If I did physical, I would have to pay at least 6 to 8 dollars more, at least where I live.
Re: These Are The Top 25 'XBOX Player Voice' Requests After One Week
@Questionable_Duck I, too, think that should be high on the list. The Trails series would do well, I believe, on Xbox.
Re: These Are The Top 25 'XBOX Player Voice' Requests After One Week
@Balaam_ You’re not understanding the issue with physical vs digital media. You are in a very small minority (you just have a loud voice). Going digital isn’t on the publisher or developer, it’s on the people. The majority of people prefer digital, whether it’s for convenience or otherwise. If there was still a strong market for physical media then it would still be more relevant. Unfortunately, that’s just how the state of the world is: television, film, music, all of that, people want to be able to access it immediately and from anywhere. Physical media is unfortunately not very viable for the state of the economy. If you are going to blame someone, blame the people, not the company because the companies will lose money by creating a physical product that hardly anyone would buy (to make a substantial difference).
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (May 23-24)
@Fiendish-Beaver There are difficulty options, and playing on Hard mode makes the combat way more enjoyable and challenging. There are also some Riddler puzzles that are genuinely difficult, if that’s sort of your thing too.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (May 23-24)
I’m playing LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. I was hesitant on buying this game. My usual experience goes as follows: one half of my brain tells me to buy [these games] because it sounds fun whilst the other half says I won’t play for that long and move on to something else. Of course, I buy them and lose interest within thirty minutes.
Here I am again, being irrational with my purchase. Miraculously, my experience has been drastically different from prior experiences. I quite literally can’t stop playing. I’ve put in 15 hours already.
The first thing that stood out to me and has yet to falter is how charming the game is, not only from its game world, but the characters and their animations. I have genuinely laughed multiple times throughout my experience. It has brought out my inner kid, and makes me realize games are meant to be fun and entertaining, not always about trophies and achievements.
Gotham City itself is a story all on its own. It’s a gorgeous world to explore, and trust me, it’s massive. There are a myriad of random activities to partake in—stopping crime, of course, solving Riddler puzzles (some are actually challenging), tracking down zoo animals that have been running amok, racing trials, and a lot more.
You can also go to your Batcave at any point in time. Here you can upgrade your hideout and expand its capabilities. You’ll be able to buy nearly every iteration of the Batmobile, but also vehicles used by other characters in the bat-verse. You can upgrade your arsenal, cash in on completed challenges, open up a shop where you can buy various items for your hideout. You can also buy or unlock over 100 costumes for your character(s), paying homage to its illustrious history.
Speaking of paying its respect to its long standing history, this game is essentially a collection of the Nolan universe, and follows that trilogy. However, it takes its own liberties and remixes things to add much more fun nuances. I was initially surprised, but it’s been a welcome addition.
Of course, you can’t mention Batman without synonymously mentioning combat and detective work. I’m thrilled to report that both are a main focus, and are very fun. It’s essentially the Arkham games in a LEGO skin. The combat is free flowing and works well in each environment you’re fighting in. You will also use various tools at your disposal to unlock new areas, track down suspects, and get the advantage on your enemies. The only downside is that combat can be trivially easy. It basically becomes a button mash romp, and it can get repetitive quickly. Nonetheless, the game still manages to be fun amidst its own monotony which is a huge compliment.
Ultimately, if you are a fan of the Arkham trilogy then you should feel right at home with this entry. It is essentially a new entry in that universe, but in a LEGO skin. Yes, it’s still a “kid’s” game, but it’s much more than that. Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is not only a great Batman game, but a great game in general that should be played by a wide audience. This Batman symbol shines bright.
Re: Fable Gets Rated In Multiple Regions Ahead Of 2026 Xbox Release
I can’t wait. Xbox is killing it this year. And Playground Games doesn’t miss.
Re: Xbox Game Studios Now Has An Official Shop, Featuring Merch For Major First-Party Games
Removed
Re: 'Luna Abyss' Is Available Today With Xbox Game Pass, And Here's What The Reviews Are Saying
Glad to see it’s getting good reviews! I’ve been anticipating this game for a while.
Re: New Lord Of The Rings Game In Development By Kingdom Come: Deliverance Devs
@KoldFire I think they will handle combat fine. In the Kingdom Come games they were focusing on realism and immersion which is why it felt janky. In the second game, it still felt that way, but it eventually flowed really well once you got the hang of it. I think Warhorse will be able to understand that LOTR is a fantasy, with tons of enemies to dispose of. That alone should be an incentive to change how they handle combat. I am curious as to whether or not it will be first or third person, though I assume the latter. Either way, I’m really looking forward to this project. I believe they can make something truly special.
Re: These 13 Games Are Coming To Xbox Game Pass (May 20 - June 2)
Luna Abyss and Echo Generation 2 look phenomenal. And, of course, Forza is a banger. Next week, whilst not on Game Pass, 007 First Light and Mina The Hollower release. Xbox is eating pretty good right now.
Re: Five Games Are Leaving Xbox Game Pass In Late May 2026
@Jenkinss I want to play Infinite Wealth really badly but I don’t feel like playing the first one. I’m familiar with all of the other Yakuza games because I’ve played and beaten them, but Like A Dragon is still on the back burner. I’m strongly considering watching a YouTube story recap. I know the first game is really good and I’ll be missing out, but IW just seems like the perfect “summer” game.
Re: Five Games Are Leaving Xbox Game Pass In Late May 2026
I think I have bought Crypt Custodian and Metaphor, so I’m not too disappointed. That said, those are some great games leaving the service.
Re: Roundup: Here's What The Reviews Are Saying About LEGO Batman: Legacy Of The Dark Knight
I’ve tried multiple Lego games in the past but they never hold my attention. This sounds like it might actually be the one to break that trend. It’s even better that it involves one of my favorite (superhero) movie trilogies of all time.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (May 16-17)
I’m wrapping up my first playthrough of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. It’s still an excellent sequel. I’m excited to see what the third installment entails. However, I am kind of pissed, because the game is buggy as hell. If you’re hunting down achievements/trophies, it can be a real nuisance.
Other than that, I’ve been contemplating buying an Xbox ROG Ally X, the $550.00 version. I have been doing my research, and the Xbox Play Anywhere is very compelling. The list of games that I own or am interested in is part of this feature. I really like the idea of taking my achievements on the go. But man, that price is really damaging; ha-ha. I hear it’s an incredible device and worth the money.
Re: Batman: Arkham Knight Joins Xbox Play Anywhere, And More Major Titles Could Be On The Way
I’ve been very tempted to buy an ROG Ally despite the $550.00 price tag. I’ve been doing a lot of research on the games supported with Xbox play anywhere, and all of the games I own, want to play, or what have you is part of the program. I’ll probably bite the bullet in the next couple of weeks—taking my achievements on the go is right to my ally (no pun intended).
Re: Poll: Are You Planning To Buy 007 First Light Later This Month?
I have it preordered and ready to go. I typically enjoy every Bond game, from the N64 days, to the GameCube, and even slater titles — they are just pure fun.
Re: New Console Start-Up Animation Rolling Out To Xbox Insiders, Gamerscore Badges Also Detailed
This is an awesome update. I’m definitely looking forward to the badges, in particular.
Re: Talking Point: One Year Later, What Do You Think Of DOOM: The Dark Ages?
It was great, but the weakest of the trilogy. With that said, it was still exceptional. Their “worst” game is better than most first person shooters. I did get the platinum for it on the PS5. I’ve been thinking of replaying it on my Series X, get all achievements, and cross my fingers for the DLC to release soon.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (May 9-10)
@Lup Agreed with everything you said about Middle Earth. It’s such a bummer that the Nemesis has been pattoned because it’s a fantastic mechanic that I wish more games could implement.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (May 9-10)
@NintendoByNature How is Elementalis? It looks fantastic.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (May 9-10)
I’m playing Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (Xbox Series X). It’s been a fantastic experience, and one of the rare Star Wars stories that is genuinely great. I’m working on getting all achievements—by this time 007 First Light and Mina The Hollower should be released.
Re: Mina The Hollower Promises 'One Of The Greatest Top-Down Adventures Ever' On Xbox This Month
I have been waiting for this game for years. It’s been my most anticipated for so long. I have no doubt it will live up to the hype.
Re: Game Pass Platformer Replaced Sees Progression & Chapter Select Fixes In New Xbox Update
Glad to see it get some much needed updates. I need to get back and finish it. I enjoyed what I played.
Re: Roundup: Mixtape Is Getting Some Incredible Reviews As It Rolls Out On Xbox Game Pass
Glad to see it getting such rave reviews. I have it downloaded, and I’ll check it out after work tonight.
Re: Capcom Proves New IP Can Be Successful With Impressive Pragmata Sales Milestone
Capcom is picking up the slack from many developers right now. As it stands, Pragmata is my current GOTY. I’m just waiting a bit to do a lunatic run and mop up all achievements.
Re: Talking Point: New Survey Highlights The 'Top Reasons To Play Games On A Console'
I own all the three main consoles — PS5, Xbox Series X, and Switch 2, all for different reasons. PS5 is mainly for exclusives, although I’m burned out on the Sony formula. I have the X because I prefer the controller and I play my third party games there. If the X had some proper exclusives it would probably be my main device, but I’m okay with their offerings as of right now. And even though Gears and Halo are coming to PlayStation, I prefer the controller on Xbox. As for the Switch 2, it’s my travel companion. I do play it elsewhere and at home because I prefer handheld experiences, particularly RPGs, but some third party games are great there as well (RE9 and Pragmata for example). Every console has their own strengths—strengths that suit my interests perfectly.
Re: 10 New Xbox Indie Games That Should Be On Your Radar In May 2026
Luna Abyss and Echo Generation 2 looks awesome. Yerba Buena Is also catching my eye. I will have to check those out.
Re: Here's What Might Leave Xbox Game Pass In June 2026
Oh shoot, I didn’t even realize the remastered version of Space Marine 1 was on Game Pass. I’ve been wanting to play it. Thanks for the heads up!
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (May 2-3)
All I’m playing is Saros. I just reached the third biome, and I’m having a literal blast. Housemarque has cooked once again. I’ve also been in the mood to finally play Jedi: Survivor so I might do that on my Series X since it’s the Game of the Month to try out over at TrueAchievements.
Re: Open World RPG 'The Blood Of Dawnwalker' Gets September 2026 Release Date For Xbox Series X|S
This looks awesome and very unique. The developers also seem really confident to show off their product, so I think they know they have a winner on their hands.
Re: Nacon's RPG Studio Seemingly Shutting Down Following Financial Troubles
This is a real bummer. I haven’t played Greedfall, but I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Steel Rising. They seemed to have real potential.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (April 25-26)
In addition to beating Pragmata, I booted up Stalker 2 and loaded up an old save (I beat the game when it first released, and played 120-hours). I wanted to try out the new quest-lines that were added. This was more troublesome than I anticipated; it’s not a game you can hop back in a year later and feel comfortable. I was using med-kits when I wanted to turn on my flashlight. I wanted to fast travel, but I couldn’t until I got to a base of operations, yet that was harder than expected. I would try to run to my marker and die by anomalies and radiation. I eventually got my bearings after googling the controls, completed the new quests, and unlocked a few achievements. I can’t wait for its expansion.
Meanwhile, Hades 2 released on Game Pass. I’ve put in over 80-hours on the Switch version, but since Supergiant updated the game with new content I couldn’t resist starting a fresh playthrough. I’ve already experienced new events. Once again, I’m unabashedly addicted.
Here I am, five days left of my vacation. I was unsure what to start next. Despite my reservations due to the size of the game, I finally gave Crimson Desert a chance. All of my X/Twitter feeds have been praising the game, and the patches from the developer have been nothing but outstanding. It’s my type of game, but I still didn’t know what to expect.
Let me get the obvious out of the way: it’s overwhelming and mechanically complicated. There are so many systems at work, and they can overlap each other with the controls. With that said, I am already immersed in this beautiful and mysterious world. It’s similar to Red Dead Redemption 2 with its freedom and interactivity, and Dragon’s Dogma 2, one of my favorite games of all time, with focusing heavily on player agency and developing your own tale. I can predict that once I get used to the controls this could potentially be an all-timer for me.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (April 25-26)
So far, my vacation has been fantastic. I did what I set out to do—clean up my garage, and get a lot of yard work done. And play games, lots and lots of games.
I beat Pragmata (Xbox Series X). What a sublime experience. It may outshine Resident Evil Requiem for me which I did not expect. Capcom does something that no other current developer does: make me want to replay a game immediately after I beat it.
So, what’s the hook for this new IP? The combat. It’s really innovative. It’s a third person shooter with hacking mechanics all in one package. I was skeptical about how this would work in a proper firefight, but you’re never overwhelmed with enemies. There is a perfect balance that could have easily dismantled its entire focus, but thankfully it doesn’t. The combat also evolves with time, adding depth to the gameplay. You’ll consistently unlock new weapons, hacking nodes that caters to your style of play, and other surprises along the way.
There are finishing executions when an enemy gets weak, but there is only one variation. It’s kind of disappointing because it looks so stylish. If there were more animations with different weapons then it wouldn’t be an issue. It just gets repetitive after a while.
Exploration is also satisfying. There are five biomes to explore, each of which is approximately three hours each, maybe a little longer depending on if you go off the beaten path. If you do you’ll find benefits — new weapons, modifications, abilities, items for your shelter that liven the place up, and a lot of well written lore.
Some places are inaccessible at first, but similarly to Metroidvanias, you’ll acquire new abilities that allow you to explore areas later down the line. Thankfully, there are many checkpoint areas, so you’re able to do a quick clean up on the things you’ve missed. It took me roughly 14 hours to beat the game and find all collectibles without a guide.
The story is endearing. From all of the trailers I thought your companion, Diana, would be cumbersome and annoying. For some people, they may find this to be accurate. If you can tolerate her you will find a relatively emotional connection with her growth as a character.
Some story elements don’t always land. Pragmata pays homage to Dead Space, particularly in its opening hours — you’ll see posters on walls to emphasize this even more— and by this I mean you will succumb to horrifying loss. As such, the main protagonist, Hugh, whilst he comments on incidents that happen throughout the game, it’s his delivery, or lack there of, that isn’t handled well. You don’t feel his pain and suffering so it’s hard to relate; instead the focus is more on the “father/daughter” dynamic which is really solid.